Places to Visit in Srinagar

Popularly acknowledged as 'Paradise on Earth', the city of Srinagar is located in the gorgeous Kashmir valley on the banks of the River Jhelum. The word Srinagar literally means 'the city of wealth'. As the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, the city is renowned for its traditional handicrafts, lakes, gardens and houseboats. It's an ideal destination that can be visited throughout the year. This hill station is visited by travelers from outside India as well. A variety of tourist attractions makes the place worth visiting many times.

Places to See in Srinagar

Dal LakeCategory : Nature
It is the most popular for its houseboats and Shikaras and remains crowded throughout the year. The lake covers an area of approximately 26 sq km and is divided intro four sections. It provides a perfect site to enjoying kayaking, swimming, angling, canoeing, water surfing, houseboats and Shikara riding. Fishing activities and water plant harvesting is also done at the lake. During winters, the temperature falls so low that it sometimes freezes the Lake.

Nagin LakeCategory : Nature
Situated in the backdrop of the Dal Lake, the Nagin Lake is entitled as the 'Jewel in the Ring'. A narrow causeway is what separates the two lakes. Tourists can spot many Shikaras and houseboats. Water skiing, boat sailing facilities are available at this lake. The lake is a little isolated and much cleaner than the Dal lake.

Jama MasjidCategory : Religious
It is among the oldest mosques in Srinagar and displays a monument of Islamic architecture. It was built in 1674 with four spires tower, 370 pillars, prayer halls, etc. Each pillar is made from a single piece of deodar trunk. The temple was destroyed and restored many times. It is also known as the Friday Mosque.

Hazratbal MosqueCategory : Religious
Located on the banks of Dal Lake, the Mosque is made from white marble and a fusion of Kashmiri and Mughal styles of architecture can be noticed in its construction. The Mosque is also called Dargah Sharif, Asar-e-Sharif, and Madinat-us-Sani. There is a shrine in the Mosque which is believed to contain a relic-a hair of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad.

Shankaracharya TempleCategory : Religious
Located at a height of 1,100 ft, the temple is on top of Shankaracharya Hill. It is believed to be built around 200 BC by Jaluka, the son of Emperor Ashoka. From the hill top visitors can get a spectacular view of the snow clad mountains of Pir Panjal mountain range.

Sri Pratap Singh MuseumCategory : History & Culture
Established in 1898, the museum exhibits some of the rare terracotta heads of 3rd century, various molded terracotta plaques from 4th & 5th century, ancient brass model of Lokeshvara and a green stone figure of Lord Vishnu sitting on a Garuda. The museum also displays a 5th century copper image of Buddha carved in Gandhara architectural style and some paintings, ancient coins, handicrafts and arms.

Indira Gandhi Tulip GardenCategory : Garden
The Garden is located at the foothills of Zabarwan Mountains near Dal Lake. The garden is famous for its annual Tulip Festival that last for seven days. The garden is very spacious and has more than 70 varieties of colored tulip flowers. About 90 acres of land nurture 1.3 million tulip bulbs. Among its vicinity are other gardens like Nishat Garden, Shalimar Garden, Achabal Bagh, Chashma Shahi Garden, Pari Mahal and other Mughal Gardens.

Nishat BaghCategory : Garden
Located on the banks of Dal Lake, the garden was built by Abdul Hasan Asaf Khan in 1633 and is one of the largest Mughal Gardens built here. The garden has some of the rare species of flowers, 12 terraces, flowerbeds, fountains and huge lawns that draw many tourists and travelers.

Dachigam Wildlife SanctuaryCategory : Wild Life
The sanctuary is recognized for housing the rare Kashmir stag Hangul and black & brown bears. It is encircled by beautiful mountains and greenery. The sanctuary is spread out across an area of approx 141 sq km. In 1951, the sanctuary was acknowledged as a National Park. A wide variety of flora and fauna is present in the sanctuary. The sanctuary also provides a habitat for various avifauna species too. Special permit is necessary to enter the park.

Tourist Destination Near Srinagar

Gulmarg
Gulmarg- the meadow of flowers is an astonishing mountain resort. It is a spectacular place with picturesque surroundings, dazzling landscapes, serene lakes and beautiful flowers. In winter the snow transforms Gulmarg into India's premier ski resort.

Pahalgam
Pahalgam is a humble village and the base camp for the renowned Amarnath Yatra. Pahalgam offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan Ranges and is appropriate for adventurous activities.

Sonamarg
Sonamarg- the meadow of gold is a picturesque town surrounded by natural beauty, breathtaking glaciers, serene lakes and flower-laden meadows in the Kashmir valley.